Wild fire threatens Buffalo Gap

On the second day of the Camp Barkeley Fire, gusting winds reignited the blaze and sent it toward Buffalo Gap. Residents on the north side were advised to evacuate, many did though some stayed, vowing to leave only if it became absolutely necessary.

Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News David O’Shields drags a water sprinkler across the roof of his Buffalo Gap home Monday. O’Shields already had another sprinkler on his roof, he and his neighbors were keeping it wet as a fire approached the town from the northwest. Residents were advised by law enforcement officials to evacuate, but many stayed until the day’s winds died and the threat appeared reduced.

Abilene Reporter-News

Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News The O’Shields family vehicle was loaded with essential items and ready to go Monday as word was passed by deputies and DPS troopers to evacuate Buffalo Gap. Sunday’s Camp Barkeley Fire had sparked anew and shifting winds fanned the flames which were threatening Buffalo Gap by the late afternoon.

Abilene Reporter-News

Christopher Collins/Reporter-News Todd Runyon helps a friend move valuables out of a home on Valley Street in Buffalo Gap.

Christopher Collins/Reporter-News Tray Richards, 29, wets down the yard of his house on Live Oak Street with a hand sprinkler.

Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News An aerial tanker plane drops its load of fire retardant on the Camp Barkeley Fire Monday. After the drop, the intensity of the main fire appeared to be reduced and the winds began to die down shortly afterward.

Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News Jason Perry climbs onto the roof of a neighbor’s house, who wasn’t home, while Ronnie Bryan holds the ladder and hands up a water sprinkler and hose Monday. Buffalo Gap residents turned their sprinklers onto their roofs and lawns hoping to soak the ground in case the threatening Camp Barkeley Fire actually made it to their town.

Abilene Reporter-News

Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News Tina Garrett (left) and Robin Van Zandt hug each other as they watch the distant Camp Barkeley Fire burn toward their Buffalo Gap homes Monday. “We’ve been neighbors for 21 years,” said Van Zandt. Both families had their cars packed with belongings in case the final word came down to evacuate.

Abilene Reporter-News

Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News The sun sets against a pale, white smoke-filled sky Monday evening in Buffalo Gap. As the sun fell, so did the winds which had driven the Camp Barkeley Fire toward the small town. Residents had been on alert to evacuate and while some did, many said they were going to stay as long as they could.